Book Description
It is pertinent that I should present an analysis of the stimulii, that have directed and urged me to choose this particular field of research. I earnestly desire to submit a thesis which may be recognized as of immediate value to others, particularly to students and teachers of the clarinet. For many years I have searched libraries for information concerning the instrument on which I have striven for excellence and for music suitable for performance on this most versatile instrument. There is an adequate supply of methods, exercise books, end etudes prepared by skillful performers and recognized teachers. However, no method for selecting solos as to grade and quality has been made for students in progressive stages of development. Furthermore, a great amount of the very best music for the clarinet has been ignored through lack of knowledge of its existence. No informative index of clarinet music exists. The volume of clarinet music is contained ordinarily in two or three files in first class music stores and is neither complete nor representative of the quality of music written for the instrument. There is an urgent need for a classification of clarinet solos that will set forth fine music, which may be used in correlation with standard methods and teaching procedures. An interest in solo literature, classic and modern, directs groups of proficient soloists toward chamber music. Our modern instrumental program is training great sectional choirs of wind instruments. Those students who aspire to more finished interpretation in solo sections and those teachers who desire a means of motivating the student, find in chamber music pleasant means for working out technical problems and for stimulating a fine feeling of musicianship. In order that this new device may be put to its most efficient use, it is imperative that a complete knowledge of the best works written for each instrument be known, and they should be graded accurately so as to be quickly adapted to the student's stage of development. There is a need for a "Method of Clarinet Solo Literature Selection." This thesis is an effort to fill that need.